Wigan v Blues

[SMH]

Both teams coming off the back of victories on Saturday so a tough game between two confident teams in store. Like Rovers, Blues have a very poor record at the DW, however they also have a much better manager and a much better defence/midfield who will make things very tough for us. Can see a low scoring game where the odd goal could well decide it, to be honest I wouldn't be the least surprised if both teams settle for a 0-0 or 1-1 draw should that be the score towards the end of the game. Will Che Adams or Greg Stewart make their debuts and make a decisive impact?

If Nick Powell is fit, I'd like to see the same team as Saturday but it'll be interesting to see if Shaun MacDonald makes his debut. Safe journey to all the Bluenoses.

 

[Stroathemed]

I also wait for Shaun MacDonald to make his debut!

 

[SMH]

Basically a repeat of Bristol v Wigan on the opening day except we were Bristol and Blues were Wigan. They tried to defend the lead all second half and after battering them all half we finally broke through and would have won it with more time. Shout out to the shambolic Bluenose officials as well.

 

[NorthernSoul]

I disagree on the repeat of the Bristol City match, second half yes but first half against Bristol City we have 57% possession and 8 shots to Bristols 3 and were good value for our half time lead. Birmingham were not, we had 70% possession and were camped in their half, despite the possession though we struggled to create chances due to the final ball being poor and a very good, well organised Birmingham defensive unit. 0-0 at half time would have bee fair. Apart from one break were a deflected shot rebounded off the keeper onto the leg of Donaldson flying onto the post, Birmingham offered nothing.

Then came the goal which was absolutely disgusting officiating, whether you think the player fell into the keeper or the keeper took the man down isn't even the debate, firstly Ryan Shotton who was fouling all game, came straight through the back of Grigg on the edge of the box as clear a foul as you'll see in a football match, not given and the ball is launched upfield to Donaldson where replays have since shown he was offside collects the ball, it's an awful touch and he knocks the ball out for a goal kick but seeing the keeper dive to ground takes the chance to win a penalty. Then the penalty itself, I didn't realise two players could run into the box before it's hit? Davis is a could couple of yards inside the box before it's struck and the linesmans flag should have gone up soon as Davis made contact.

Weren't quite at it going forward last night but if the officials do their jobs it's a hard well earned 1-0 victory which would have been a deserved result, Birmingham deserved to come away with nothing and a fantastic save from Kusczak last minute saved them. Second half was total domination.

For me Birmingham look a very well organised and hard working team but they lacked creativity in midfield and don't seem to have any power upfront, look like a classic mid table side that is hard to beat but struggles for goals, draws a lot and will have narrow wins/defeats.

We'll have to get used to a lot of teams going very defensive against us at the DW this season I fear.

 

[Ciderhead]

We'll have to get used to a lot of teams going very defensive against us at the DW this season I fear.

I somehow doubt it